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Jakob Gammons

Jakob is an associate at Heyl Royster’s Peoria office—a litigator who thrives under pressure and delivers results when it counts. Before joining the firm, he served as a prosecutor, advancing from traffic and DUI cases to leading high-stakes domestic violence prosecutions. This rich courtroom background sharpened his instincts and strategic mindset, powering his advocacy for clients in complex civil litigation, including casualty, tort, and business and commercial litigation.

Jakob’s approach is grounded in meticulous preparation, a discipline forged while balancing multiple jury dockets as a prosecutor. He treats every case as trial-ready, ensuring his clients benefit from strong, proactive representation from day one. His clients value Jakob’s clear communication, responsiveness, and genuine empathy—qualities honed while supporting victims of domestic violence and now central to every client relationship.

Respected by colleagues and judges for his diligence, drive, and positive attitude, Jakob brings enthusiasm and a sense of humor to his practice—always striving for excellence in every case. His insight into how high-stakes allegations are tried and resolved gives his clients a strategic edge—helping them assess risk, gain leverage, and achieve efficient, favorable outcomes.

Outside the office, Jakob is an avid moviegoer and has set a goal to learn to play the piano.

Beneva Davies-Nyandebo

Beneva Davies-Nyandebo is an associate on the Regulation, Investigations, Securities and Compliance team in Norton Rose Fulbright's Washington, DC Office. She has a broad range of education and experience in the public and private sectors. Her practice focuses on cross-border government and internal investigations, including investigations related to anticorruption laws such as the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act ("FCPA"), securities laws, financial fraud, and international trade laws, sanctions and export controls. Her practice also involves white collar criminal defense, building and reviewing compliance programs, and other regulatory matters.

Beneva was previously an associate on the Project Finance team of the firm, representing lenders, including bilateral and multilateral development finance agencies, and borrowers in structuring, negotiating, documenting and implementing domestic and international project financings.

Prior to joining Norton Rose Fulbright, Beneva gained experience investigating allegations of sexual harassment and discrimination in Boston public schools. She also worked for a global human rights organization, monitoring human rights violations in the supply chains of various industries worldwide and for an early-stage solar company, located in West Africa, as a Supply Chain and Project Manager, working from Guangzhou, China. She also worked for the Special Court for Sierra Leone in the Hague and served as a Youth Representative to the United Nations.

Beneva is licensed to practice in the District of Columbia.

Taylor Wood

Taylor keeps business implications top of mind when negotiating and drafting real estate agreements for clients.

Clients value Taylor’s background as in-house counsel for a large national food and beverage distributor. She routinely negotiated the acquisition and sale of distribution rights to major brands. Taylor also handled labor & employment matters that included Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) investigations, mediation and litigation. However, much of her experience – which she now brings to real estate clients – is in negotiating, drafting and reviewing:

Taylor offers clients the time, dedication and attention to detail required for successful real estate transactions. She understands what legal recommendations look like from the client’s side of the table. She ensures transactions reflect the client’s goals, with the aim of developing lasting relationships.

Industry

Real Estate, Development & Construction 

Services

Corporate Real Estate 

Retail Real Estate 

Recognition

Education

Admissions

Professional Memberships and Certifications

Todd Beharry

Todd Beharry is a senior associate in WSHB’s New York City office focusing his practice on complex tort litigation, with an emphasis on New York Labor Law. 

He earned his law degree from Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center, where he was a Notes and Comments Editor for Touro’s Journal of Race, Gender and Ethnicity and served on the Moot Court. While in law school, Todd also worked as a student attorney in Touro’s Small Businesses & Not-For-Profit Clinic, a legal intern for the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, and as a judicial intern for the Hon. Justice Chereé Buggs. Todd's honors include the Martin Schwartz Award for Excellence in Civil Rights; Special Service to the Public and Community Award; and Exemplary Dedication and Service to the Law Center for Exceptional Contributions to the Journal of Race, Gender and Ethnicity.

Todd earned his Master of Science in Social Work from Columbia University with a focus in clinical and direct practice. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Humanities and Justice Studies from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, where he served in the AmeriCorps.

His previous experience includes serving as a judicial law clerk for the Hon. Ernest M. Caposela, Superior Court of New Jersey, where Todd managed civil, criminal, general equity and election dockets.

When not practicing law, Todd is an active member of his community. He currently works pro bono for Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts in addition to participating in several creative endeavors. 

Education

Licensed to Practice in

Kandace Brackins

Kandace Brackins is an Associate with Marks, O’Neill, O’Brien, Doherty & Kelly. She is admitted to practice in New Jersey and the District of Columbia.

Kandace graduated magna cum laude from Oakwood University, with a Bachelor of Arts in Pre-law / Political Science and a minor in Psychology. Upon graduation, she attended the University of Dayton School of law. During law school, Kandace received a Pro Bono award for outstanding volunteer service and was involved in the Black Law Student Association and Child Welfare Association. Kandace also interned for the Honorable Anthony Capizzi in the Montgomery County Common Pleas Court, Juvenile Division, and the Honorable Alice O. McCollum in the Montgomery County Common Pleas Court, Probate Division.

Prior to joining Mark’s O’Neill, Kandace focused her skills working with various legal service companies on internal employee investigations and litigation matters for pharmaceutical and big tech companies. Kandace has also worked in a boutique family law firm where she assisted clients with complex family law matters and drafted motions and memorandums on behalf of the firm partners.

Additionally, Kandace is proud to have served as a military police sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserve. Kandace’s military service has honed her inclusive leadership and team building skills as well as her ability to multitask and perform well under high-pressure situations.

Since joining Marks O’Neill, Kandace has focused her practice on casualty, employment, and professional liability matters.

Outside of work, Kandace enjoys volunteering, exercising, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

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